Patent GB-429135-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to prepayment mechanisms for gas and like meters
IPC: G07F15/02
Filed: 1934-08-01
Abstract: 429,135. Prepayment mechanism for meters. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP MACHINERIEEN - EN APPARATEN FABRIEKEN MEAF, (formerly NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP MACHINERIEENEN APPARATEN FABRIEKEN), 30, Croeselaan, Utrecht, Holland. Aug. 1, 1934, Nos. 22448 and 22449. Convention dates, Nov. 29, 1933 and May 18, 1934. [Class 27] Coin action, mechanical connection, and with delivery proportionate to value of coin ; coindischarging mechanism.-In meter prepayment mechanism for use with either of two coins and giving proportionate delivery, the coin wheel 4 setting forward the quantity mechanism is rotated through one tooth by direct engagement with the larger coin 3 inserted in the rotary coin-pocket 1, whilst the smaller coin couples a slotted boss on the coin pocket with a slotted bearing 8 geared through toothed wheels 9, 10 with the wheel 4, and is retained in the coin pocket for more than one revolution, in the example shown one and a half revolutions, by an abutment 15 on a pivoted plate 13. The plate 13 is biassed inwardly by a spring 14, but can be tilted by movement of a pivoted lever 19 in either direction ; a spring acting on the coin pocket causes engagement between this lever and an abutment member 20 freely rotatable between stops 22, 23, so that the plate 13 is normally swung out to permit full entry of a small coin. Immediately after commencement of rotation of the coin pocket, lever 19 disengages the member 20 so that the plate 13 grips the coin and retains it in the pocket for one and a half revolutions after which lever 19, abutment member 20, and the stop 23 are all brought into engagement as shown in chain lines in Fig. 3, and the plate 13 is swung outwardly to release the coin. Backward rotation of the coin-pocket under the action of its spring is prevented by ratchet and pawl mechanism 32, 33. In the modified construction of Figs. 8 and 11 the means for retaining the smaller coin in the pocket for more than one revolution comprises a slotted sleeve 37 surrounding the pocket 1, a lost-motion coupling between the coin pocket and sleeve being provided by a pin 42 on the pocket, and a spring 43 on the sleeve having an inturned end 46 passing through a short slot in the sleeve to engage with the pin. The sleeve is retained in its end positions by a spring plunger 50 engageable with depression 51 in the sleeve. During the first revolution of the pocket from the initial position shown in Fig. 11, the sleeve is stationary and covers the insertion slot ; subsequently pin 42 engages member 46 and rotates the sleeve until, at the end of a further half revolution, an abutment 48 on the sleeve engages a stop 49 so that further rotation of the coin pocket relative to the sleeve occurs to bring the slot in the coin pocket adjacent to that in the sleeve and permit the coin to fall out. In order to provide for a larger rotation of the coin-pocket, the lost-motion coupling between the pocket and sleeve may be increased by interposing lost-motion inter-engaging plates between the pin 42 and spring 46. Coin - slit closing devices.-An internally toothed disc 28 having a slot normally registering with the insertion slot 31 is rotated to obstruct the latter by a pinion 30 on the coinpocket.